Nairobi, Kenya – 2 July 2025 – Delegates gathered in Nairobi, Kenya, for an informal meeting of Heads of Delegations ahead of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.
This meeting provided a critical opportunity for open dialogue and trust-building among Member States as they work toward consensus on the terms of an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. Hosted with the support of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the discussions aim to enhance transparency, improve coordination, and lay the groundwork for the resumed INC 5.2 to take place in August this year.
The informal consultations reflect a shared commitment to multilateralism and global cooperation in addressing one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. As a small island developing state (SIDS), the Cook Islands is on the frontline of the plastic pollution crisis, particularly in our marine environment which sustains our economy, culture, and way of life.
The Cook Islands delegation, Sandrina Thondoo , Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration and Tekura Moeka , National Environment Services, engaged actively in this process. The Cook Islands remains committed to ensuring that the future treaty reflects the unique needs and vulnerabilities of Pacific island nations, and includes ambitious global measures that address the full life cycle of plastics.
INC-5.2 is scheduled to take place in Geneva, Switzerland from the 3-15 August , with the objective to complete the formal negotiation process with the most awaited new Plastics Treaty
